The new CrossPolo offically premiered at the Essen Motor Show Thursday. Scheduled for German market availability in February starting at around $17,700, the four-door hatch joins the growing european fleet of small, SUV-like "lifestyle" vehicles, alongside the Suzuki/Lancia/Fiat Sedici, and the Chevrolet Captiva.

The CrossPolo has SUV-like styling, including a ride-height raised about 1/2 inch, larger wheels and tires (17 inch and 215/40), fender flares, roof rack, fog lights, and faux "skid plates" in the front and rear valences. But that's as far as it goes - the CrossPolo is FWD-only.

The interior gets color-coordinated cloth "sport comfort" seats, and unique trim.

Five powerplants are offered, starting with a 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder, four-valve, 65-hp gasoline engine. The top gas engine is a 100-hp 4-cylinder. Two TDI diesels are offered, a 1.4-liter, 70-hp, 3-cylinder unit, and a 1.9-liter, 100-hp, 4-cylinder. More pics after the jump.

[Source: Volkswagen]